Ford Fiesta ST Concept arrives

Ford Fiesta ST Concept

Just as we expected, Ford has revealed a hot Fiesta – the Fiesta ST – With 178bhp and a sub 7 second 0-60mph. Expect it late 2012.

Just as we expected, Ford has revealed a properly hot Fiesta to take on the new wave of superminis – like the Polo GTI – and is offering up the Fiesta ST with a 1.6 litre EcoBoost lump which will deliver 178bhp.

This is Ford cashing-in on its Fiesta WRC programme to price a proper little hot Fiesta, and in the process turning its back on the misjudged decision to play down performance Fords in our eco-obsessed world. Good.

Ford claim that the Fiesta ST will be able to accelerate to 62mph in under 7 seconds, with a top speed nudging on 140mph.

Cosmetically, the Fiesta ST is a Focus ST on a boil wash. The face is similar with the big grill, headlights with LEDs, big air intakes with round fogs and a proper bully-boy grin on its face. Inside there are Recaros and a more ‘Sporty’ edge to the trim.

Although Ford hasn’t told us what they’ve done to the suspension on the Fiesta ST, they do say it has a ‘Dynamic Sports Chassis’ and that the high performance powertrain is capable of delivering impressive economy – and just 140g/km CO2.

It looks like there will also be a 5-door version of the Fiesta ST, with Ford’s Jost Capito saying that “We would do a 5-door Fiesta ST for U.S. because 3-door is not sold there.” He went on to say:

With the Focus ST and the Fiesta ST, enthusiasts will immediately understand what a Ford ST model promises and what each model shares in terms of balanced performance feel, style and driver features.
We’ve developed both vehicles from the same DNA. They are born performers that know how to make drivers smile.

Good to see Ford fully focused on what they do so well – hot, fun cars.